When the final firework explodes over the town of East Liberty this Saturday night, it will marktheendofanera… one that lasted on and off for over 50 years. But a lack of funds and volunteers has led to an inevitable conclusion.
“We made the decision a couple years ago,” lifetime East Liberty resident Melony Baker told the Examiner. And by “we” she means the Perry Township Events Committee (PTEC), which has been in charge of fireworks fundraising for two decades.
The money they needed wasn’t coming in, and they were no longer getting new volunteers to help. As a result, PTEC knew the time had come to set a stop- date. That stop-date was July 2023, making this the last year for the East Liberty fireworks.
Coming to that determination was difficult, especially for Baker, a retired RN who has served as head of PTEC since 2018.
“They had fireworks when I was a child, and my husband was involved for a while,” she said. “It was quite a toll to make this decision.”
But that final display to take place on Saturday, July 8, starting at dusk will be a spectacular $20,000 show. They intend it to be a grand finale to a day filled with celebratory activities, including a parade at noon, a car show, kids games at the Church of Christ and a cake walk.
In honor of Baker’s commitment to her community, she was chosen to be this year’s grand marshal for the parade. Her daughters and grandchildren will join her on a wagon, which will be pulled by the antique 1946 Massey-Harris tractor that belonged to her husband, Gary Baker, who passed away in 2011.
Whether the parade and the rest of the day’s activities will continue in the years to come, though, remains uncertain. Like the fire- works, it will depend on if they get the volunteers and funds needed to make it happen. At this time, it seems unlikely.
So, while PTEC will continue their many other community events, 2023 will be their last Independence Day celebration.
“It’s our goal that every- one has a wonderful time,” Baker said with emotion. “We hope to see smiles on faces.”
